The BEAR Implant for ACL Repear

Our friend and athlete Kiersten has been back in the clinic this past week working to rehab from ACL surgery.

She did NOT get conventional ACL surgery. She was a candidate for something new: the BEAR Implant (Bridge Enhanced ACL Repair).

The ACL is a stabilizing ligament deep in the knee. When it tears, this ligament can’t heal on its own. This is because of the thick synovial fluid in the knee joint. It's the same fluid we WANT for all the frictionless slide-and-glide-- BUT, the properties of synovial fluid prevent the very blood clots that can help promote healing.

The BEAR Implant has proposed a new solution. Here's how it works: the implant is composed of bovine collagen and extracellular material from cow connective tissue. In Kiersten’s surgery, that tissue was combined with some of her own blood cells. Then, it was wrapped around the two ends of her torn ligament, and stitched in place. It can now act as a bridge helping the ligament to heal back together– preserving and restoring the tissue.

Kiersten is several months out from being totally healed. She has a road ahead of her yet. But she's already putting in the tedious work. And we're thrilled to be on her team. In addition to physical therapy, she’s been working with Excelsior on end-range isometrics, as well as developing force-bearing capacity and contractile potential.

We're proud of each step she's taking. Stay tuned for her progress. And please wish her well if you see her around!

#aclrecovery
#physicaltherapy
#bearimplant
#endrangestrengthtraining